Deliver Us from Evil
Winter of 1944, the last days of the war. When the roads and houses ceased to exist and the bottom of the cellars become filled with life, when fortunes were lost and countries burned up, her used coat was only important to Mama, the cloak-room servant of a local dance-school. Her son stole it to sell it for twenty pengő. He did it because Aranka Fussbaum's love cost money. There is no honour left in such a destroyed world. Yet still they start looking for that coat... (Elemér Ragályi won Best camera with this movie in Montreal, 1979, and in Budapest, 1980.)
Insights
Plot Summary
In this psychological thriller, a young woman named Isabelle is institutionalized after experiencing disturbing visions and believing she is possessed by a demon. As she undergoes increasingly unorthodox treatments, she begins to suspect that the sinister forces affecting her might be more real than imagined, and that the asylum itself may hold dark secrets.
Critical Reception
While not a mainstream hit, 'Deliver Us from Evil' gained a cult following among horror enthusiasts for its unsettling atmosphere and disturbing themes. It is often cited for its unique take on possession narratives and its contribution to European horror cinema of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth.
- Noted for its exploration of mental illness and the supernatural.
- Some find the pacing slow and the narrative deliberately obscure.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Deliver Us from Evil' is niche, with some viewers appreciating its dark and cerebral approach to horror, while others found it too ambiguous or disturbing.
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'Malpertuis' in some regions but was re-edited and retitled for its international release as 'Deliver Us from Evil' to capitalize on the popular horror genre.
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